Date And Nut Bars
Chewy and nutty date and nut bars with warm spices, perfect for a quick snack or dessert, appealing to those who enjoy sweet, fruity, and spiced treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over the chopped dates and allow to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shortening, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, eggs, and the cooled date mixture. Beat until thoroughly blended.
- Sift together the flour and baking soda.
- Add the sifted flour mixture and chopped nuts to the wet mixture. Beat until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased 8 x 8 x 2-inch pan and spread evenly.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 40 to 45 minutes.
- Allow the bars to cool in the pan, then cut into squares.
- Roll the cut bars in powdered sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding vanilla extract or a splash of orange juice to the wet mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute the shortening with unsalted butter for a richer taste. Feel free to experiment with different nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to customize your bars. For a fun twist, serve with a side of ice cream, like Mama'S Chocolate Ice Cream.
Serving Suggestions
These date and nut bars make a delightful treat on their own but can be enhanced with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon snack. For a heartier dessert, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of Pecan Fudge Cake for an indulgent experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover date and nut bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, refrigerate them, where they can last up to two weeks. To reheat, simply place them in a microwave for a few seconds or enjoy them cold as a delicious snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Date And Nut Bars contains roughly 600 calories, with 5g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value) and iron (10% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried fruit instead of dates?
Yes, you can substitute dried fruits like figs or apricots for dates, but keep in mind that this will alter the flavor and texture of the bars. Adjust the sugar content as needed since some dried fruits are sweeter than dates.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free date and nut bars, simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, including baking soda, are gluten-free to ensure the bars meet dietary needs.
How can I make these bars vegan?
To make the date and nut bars vegan, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use coconut oil or vegan butter instead of shortening. This will maintain the moisture and texture while making the bars suitable for a vegan diet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).